Out of the 2 Rover Stays I've had- one the girl and I hit it off really well and are friends now. It was a one bedroom apartment and I was there for 4 days-she allowed me to sleep in her bed. She changed the sheets and I slept on the opposite side that she said was "her side". She let me know she would unlock the computer and leave the keys to the pool/gym/etc and to make myself at home. I watched Netflix and used her computer to access Rover and order take out. I also used the shower and washer/dryer to clean my work clothes since I was staying there.

The second stay, they had a guest room and told me to make myself at home.

A couple I met and greeted with told me I could sleep on their day bed in their living room. People will definitely let you know where it is okay!

That is smart to do an inventory! I also learned to bring treats and my own supplies of pick up bags and a slip leash because a lot of people don't have those because they let them loose in a yard or something.

I just declined sleeping at someone's home because once I got there I was wildly uncomfortable-something just felt off. I told them that I didn't feel comfortable and the dog wasn't showing signs of anxiety so I decided to sleep at my own home.

However, I do not have my own car so the sits I have done I've always slept there. However the one I just mentioned I didn't do a meet and a greet so I felt like I wasn't supposed to be there? Anyone else I've met and been in their home for several hours before I commit to it. I prefer to sleep at the homes of either women who live in a secure location (not first floor, etc) or a couple. I personally wouldn't sleep at a single man's home or a woman's house in the middle of no where.

Most people that reach out to me for traveling pet services are shocked when I offer to sleep the night, most people don't expect it or they feel just as uncomfortable!

I'm curious to learn about the common mistakes other Rover sitters have made. I just made my first mistake with a my first stay-the woman had me meet her a bunch of times because she wasn't organized which cost me time and money running back and forth all over town. However, I didn't realize we could add services or extend periods of time-so I was grumpy that I was hired to sleep there 4 nights, but I was going to have to take care of him for half a day. I just realized I could of added a "visit/walk" fee while we were messaging or afterwards. Now I know!

What about you?

The number one reason people tell me they message me is because I have pet nutrition/health knowledge and more than likely there is something about their dog (Allergies, aggression, surgery, etc) The #1 reason people choose to book someone else is that I do work and am gone 6-8 hours at a time

I haven't had this happen to me yet, but that does sound strange. I would do a meet and greet to feel out how you feel about him and the home first!

Hi All, Today I had an owner hire me after deciding that it was just too much of a hassle to do a meet and greet. We were messaging for a few days and our schedules never matched up, but she was sure about hiring me anyways. They didn't have a key to their door, just a key code number. So yesterday she left me the code on a voicemail and that was it.

I was already uncomfortable, but went against my gut instinct and showed up to the home anyways. At the home, there was no instructions anywhere (the woman said she typed them up and left it on a counter). There wasn't any dog toys or anything like that in sight except a leash, pick up bag dispenser, and food. All of their personal belongings such as credit cards, expensive gadgets, car keys, and so forth were just out and about and every window was open! It was a three story house and honestly it creeped me out and made me feel like the house could get robbed at any minute. I just kept feeling like something bad was going to happen.

I visited the dog and stayed for 4 hours and ultimately decided to not stay the night and let the owner know that. I even considered taking the dog back to my apartment since it was just a one night stay (she is coming back 8am), but I figured that would be too stressful for the dog and she was fine with him just being walked.

Is this common for people to be this comfortable with a total stranger or was I right to feel like something was off?

What would you have done?

I would recommend Stella and chewy. I work in holistic pet care and am familiar with that brand they are on (quite expensive)!) Stella and chewy make a "dandy lamb" formula that is 95% protein (lamb meat, organ, bone) and the rest is organic fruits and veggies. It is also freeze dried or frozen.